This research considers an economic model that addresses the possible lunar needs for an emerging and integrated African continent, and a determined and curious globe.
Drawing lessons from the successful and unsuccessful attempts on Earth, may prove to be our silver bullet in space, and as global space aspirations take on a new direction, one facing our planet’s closest celestial companion, the question begs to be asked, then, what can the region contribute towards this new endeavour, and have its voice heard in the space community of nations?
In light of the soon-to-come establishment of the African Space Agency, and the publication of the African Space Strategy and Policy, which is geared towards a united Africa for space innovation, the time is ripe for consideration of a continental lunar roadmap. The author affirms, that where African states may not as yet be able to contribute in terms of technology and innovation, it more than makes up in its capacity for research, and that this exercise will not only spur more African countries to engage in lunar exploration, but help guide a coordinated approach to resource development on the Moon.
This research attempts to fill the current lunar policy by considering an economic model that addresses the possible lunar needs of an emerging and integrated African continent, and a determined and curious globe.